Setup Guide

iLoader on
Chromebook

A step-by-step guide to installing iLoader via the Linux development environment on ChromeOS. Before starting, enable Linux by following Google's guide — specifically the Turn on Linux steps.

⚡
Prerequisite: You must have Linux development environment enabled on your Chromebook before proceeding. Head to support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145439 and follow the Turn on Linux section to get it set up.
01
Update all packages

Open the Terminal app and run the command below to make sure your package lists and installed packages are fully up to date before continuing.

Terminal 
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
02
Install dependencies

Install usbmuxd, curl, and fuse — required for USB device communication and downloading/running the AppImage.

Terminal 
sudo apt-get install usbmuxd fuse curl
03
Download iLoader

iLoader is distributed as an AppImage. First, check your Chromebook's CPU architecture:

Check architecture 
uname -m

Then download the correct build based on what was printed:

outputs x86_64 — Intel / AMD amd64 
curl -fsSLO https://github.com/nab138/iloader/releases/latest/download/iloader-linux-amd64.AppImage
outputs aarch64 — ARM aarch64 
curl -fsSLO https://github.com/nab138/iloader/releases/latest/download/iloader-linux-aarch64.AppImage
04
Start usbmuxd

If usbmuxd isn't already running, start it with the command below. This service handles communication between Linux and your iDevice over USB.

Terminal 
sudo systemctl restart usbmuxd
05
Connect your iDevice

Navigate to Manage USB devices via the path below, then plug in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using a USB cable.

Settings › About ChromeOS › Developers › Linux development environment › Manage USB devices

As soon as your device appears in the list, enable it quickly. If prompted on your iDevice, tap Trust and enter your passcode.

✓ Act fast when the device appears — there's a short window to enable it from the USB devices list before it disappears.